A series of meetings today suggested a new momentum in attempts to prevent a split in the Samajwadi Party ahead of the Uttar Pradesh election on February 11. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav met briefly Friday morning with uncle Shivpal Yadav, who is one of the main reasons why he is deeply estranged from father and party patriarch Mulayam Singh. Shivpal Yadav then rushed to meet Mulayam Singh. A press conference called by Mulayam Singh, that led many to believe that a compromise had been worked out, was cancelled just five minutes after being called.
Here are the 10 latest developments in this big story:
Akhilesh Yadav, 43, has reportedly made it clear that Shivpal Yadav will have to surrender his rights to decide candidates for the election, which his uncle has not agreed to.
Akhilesh Yadav had on Thursday met Samajwadi lawmakers. 220 of the party's 229 legislators were present in a giveaway of the Chief Minister's hold on the party.
The legislators were asked to pledge their support on paper. The documents were furnished to the Election Commission to claim that because Akhilesh Yadav has the support of the majority of his party, its symbol of the cycle should be awarded to him.
If his bid is rejected, the Chief Minister will have to familiarize voters with a new symbol that will represent him on ballot papers. The cycle, long associated with the Samajwadi Party, is familiar as its shorthand for the people of Uttar Pradesh.
Mulayam Singh, 77, backed by Shivpal Yadav and his other close aide, Amar Singh, has filed competing rights to the cycle. The Election Commission has said it is reviewing the two claims.
Akhilesh Yadav remains insistent on the side lining or expulsion of Amar Singh, said sources. He has the support of another uncle, Ram Gopal Yadav, who serves as his mentor.
Mulayam Singh and Shivpal Yadav have frequently reversed decisions and appointments made by the Chief Minister.
Last weekend, Akhilesh Yadav put the squeeze on his father at a party conclave which declared he would replace Mulayam Singh as party chief while the senior politician would be relegated to the role of "patron."
Two days ago, Akhilesh Yadav and Mulayam Singh met for two hours in Lucknow and were then joined by Shivpal Yadav, but the meeting ended without the accomplishment of a workable solution.
Akhilesh Yadav is keen on an alliance with the Congress. He has said that together, the parties could net more than 300 of the state's 403 seats. Mulayam Singh has been emphatic in refusing the partnership.
